Comparative diagnostic techniques in ruminant Fasciolosis: fecal sedimentation, indirect ELISA, liver inspection and serum enzyme activities

Abstract

Different diagnostic tests have some disadvantages in diagnosing Fasciolosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and to compare the different diagnostic techniques in ruminant Fasciolosis: ELISA, biochemical analysis, liver and coprological examination. Out of the 324 cattle, 350 sheep and 385 goats slaughtered at Bishoftu, ELFORA Export Abattoir, 125 (38.5%), 4 (1.1%) and 2 (0.5%) and 108 (33%) 4 (1.1%) and 2 (0.5%) were found to be positive for lesions of fasciolosis and Fasciola eggs, respectively. The results of different diagnostic techniques in randomly selected 134 cattle, 68 sheep and 22 goats samples were compared. Out of the 134 examined cattle, 100 (75%) were found to be positive for antibodies against Fasciola specific f2 antigens followed by 54 (41%) for lesions of Fasciolosis, 40 (30%) for Fasciola eggs and 56 (42%) and 100 (75%) of the samples had an increased level of serum enzyme GGT and LDH above the normal values, respectively. The overall assessment indicates the test agreement of ELISA findings with the results of fecal examination is weak (Kappa=0.236), ELISA findings with the results of liver lesions is moderate (Kappa=0.373), liver lesions with GGT determination is moderate (Kappa=0.332) and liver lesions with level of LDH is absent (Kappa=-0.066). However, there was a strong relationship (Kappa=0.758) between fecal examination and liver lesions. In small ruminants, the prevalence of Fasciolosis was lower both in coproscopy and indirect ELISA tests: only one out of 68 sheep was positive coproscopically and 3 were positive serologically; and one out of 22 goats tested was positive both at coproscopy and serological examinations. The sensitivity of ELISA was higher compared to the others techniques in diagnosing ruminant fasciolosis. Coprological examination should be repeated and supported by other diagnostic methods.

Keywords: Coproscopy; ELISA; Fasciola; Liver enzymes; Ruminants